Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has responded to Paul Pogba’s message following his return to football. The midfielder returned to competitive action over the weekend.
The 32-year-old has played for United twice during his career, first as a promising young player before returning to the club from Juventus in 2016 for a then-record-breaking fee. Rashford came through United’s youth ranks, but is currently on loan to Spanish giants Barcelona.
Pogba’s contract expires in 2022 and he will bid farewell to Old Trafford before returning to Juventus on a free transfer. However, during his second stay in Turin, he received an unexpected doping ban.
The French international was handed a four-year provisional ban from football in February 2024 after a sample taken in August of the previous year tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Pogba has always maintained his innocence, insisting it was a mistake and that he was given the supplements without being told they contained banned substances.
His suspension was shortened and he was given the green light to return to football in March of this year. Due to the mutual termination of his contract with Juventus at the end of 2024, he became a free agent and signed with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in June.
In addition to needing to regain match fitness, Pogba is forced to bide his time before returning to action after his debut date was postponed due to injury. He came on as a substitute midway through the second half in Monaco’s 4-1 loss to Rennes this weekend, before eventually finishing his role.
“Last night was an unforgettable night. Being back on the pitch after two years meant more to me than words can express,” Pogba said on Instagram on Sunday.
“Thank you, my fans, for your love, energy, and belief. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stood behind me, supported me, and pushed me through every moment of this journey.
“This debut didn’t just belong to me… it belonged to all of you who continued to support me.”
Several former United colleagues have expressed their support in the comments section below the post. Rashford was among them, posting a straight red heart emoji.
United captain Bruno Fernandes also said “pogback”, echoing his previous Instagram Story message, while Jesse Lingard responded: “The boy is back”.
Pogba came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, but Monaco, who were 4-0 up, were effectively leading a close game at that point, and in second-half stoppage time he made it 4-1 with the winning shot. But the midfielder will be hoping to get more minutes this week in the crucial Champions League game against Paphos.
Next weekend, they will play an away game against French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.
